Where: 150 York Street, Toronto, ON

What: Restaurant, Canadian brasserie

Unlike other cookie-cutter restaurants found in the financial district, Drake One Fifty offers an un-apologetically charming space jam-packed with character and devoted to what the company has become so known for: food, drink and art. Designed by internationally acclaimed architectural and interior designer, Martin Brudnizki, the 6,000-plus square-foot space offers as much a feast for the eyes as it does for the appetite. A 60-foot oval marble bar, postmodern leather booths and handmade Moroccan geometric tiles are just some of the accents that greet patrons upon entering, while rotating installations* are incorporated throughout the restaurant to honour the company’s roots in the arts community.

But if design isn’t really your thing, that’s fine because the food stands strong on its own. Led by executive chef Ted Corrado, everything on the mouth-watering menu is made in-house from scratch and sourced locally to provide a dining experience that is comforting, yet also refined and thoughtful. Larger orders like the Bone in Ribeye Roast or Seafood Tower are ideal for parties of four to six (perfect for those visiting clients) while individual dishes (try the One Fifty Burger) are also bound to please. Better yet, they can all be washed down with a selection from their robust cocktail program.

While Drake One Fifty may be the black sheep of the herd when it comes to the financial district’s offerings, it’s a refreshing presence that will greet you and your guests with all the hospitality and charm that the Drake Hotel Group has become known and loved for.

*Check out Drake One Fifty’s current artist, LA-based Gary Baseman. Titled “My Eyes Are Bigger Than My Stomach”, the exhibit marries food, art and celebration with his whimsical style, which can be seen in the floor-to-ceiling mural, dining room wallpaper, custom printed plates, menu drawings and more.
Photos courtesy of Drake One Fifty